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Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

LUMBINI DEVELOPMENT TRUST

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Trial Operation of Two Electric Buses Begins in Lumbini

2 Months ago   December 19, 2024   Visted:215  

Lumbini, December 19

The Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) has commenced the trial operation of two electric buses out of five that had been left unused due to legal complications. These buses, acquired with grant assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to serve domestic and international tourists in the Greater Lumbini Area, began their operation on Thursday.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation had handed over five buses and 14 electric vans to the Trust on May 26, 2022. However, due to legal hurdles in converting white license plates to green ones for tourism purposes, the vehicles remained idle. Amid criticism over the non-utilization of donor-provided buses, the Trust launched the trial operation by installing donation boxes on the buses.

Trial Run Inaugurated with Local Support

The trial operation was inaugurated by Hon. Basudeva Ghimire, a member of the House of Representatives from Rupandehi-5, alongside Dr. Lharkyal Lama (Khenpo Chime), Vice Chairperson of the Lumbini Development Trust; former provincial minister and MP Hon. C.K. Gupta; and Rupandehi Chief District Officer Basudeva Ghimire.

The buses will operate on routes from Butwal to Bhairahawa Airport and Lumbini, as well as from Belhiya to Lumbini via the airport. Passengers are not required to pay a fare; instead, they may voluntarily contribute to the donation boxes on the buses.

Ensuring Sustainability and Overcoming Challenges

During the inaugural ceremony, MP Ghimire emphasized that these electric buses, once affected by legal constraints, now represent a sustainable and efficient transportation solution. He lauded the Trust for making optimal use of its resources and expressed confidence in the new model’s ability to serve passengers.

Dr. Lama explained that the buses are being operated on a donation-based system as a temporary measure while awaiting legal clearance for converting the license plates. He urged the administration to avoid creating further obstacles and to facilitate the resolution of legal issues.

Provincial MP C.K. Gupta extended his best wishes for the continued operation of the buses, while Chief District Officer Basudeva Ghimire assured full administrative support for their security and management.

Potential Boost to Tourism

Sanuraja Shakya, Member Secretary of the LDT, highlighted the need for collective efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the bus service. Representatives from the Siddhartha Hotel Association and the Lumbini Hotel Entrepreneurs’ Association praised the initiative, emphasizing its potential to promote tourism in the area.

Earlier, the LDT had organized a free trial operation of electric buses from October 13 to November 13, 2022, under the "Dhamma Yatra" initiative, providing services to 20,236 passengers.

 

Investment and Infrastructure

The buses, along with electric vans, charging stations, solar chargers, and other infrastructure, were procured under the South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Project with an investment of approximately NPR 2.8 billion, funded by the Asian Development Bank.

Despite the provincial cabinet’s decision on May 20, 2023, to facilitate the conversion of license plates, implementation delays had hindered the service. However, the successful trial run, supported by lawmakers, Trust officials, provincial MPs, and tourism entrepreneurs, marks a promising step toward the sustainable use of these resources.

As part of the trial, attendees symbolically contributed donations during a tour of the Lumbini circuit. The service is expected to significantly enhance tourism and environmental sustainability in the Greater Lumbini Area.